As soon as the 2026 NBA Draft concluded, the Miami Heat didn't waste any time in signing Tre Donaldson to a two-way contract. It's safe to say that the Heat believes that the former Miami Hurricane could end up being their next undrafted steal.
Coming off a senior season in which he averaged 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds per game on 36 percent shooting from 3-point range, Donaldson becomes the second official move that the Heat have made since agreeing to a trade to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Tre Donaldson could be an interesting project in Miami
After selecting Ryan Conwell early in the second round of the NBA Draft, it was clear that the Heat were looking for experienced players. Conwell was a four-year player before being drafted, and so was Donaldson. Finishing his career with the Hurricanes, Donaldson spent time in Auburn and then Michigan during his first three years in college.
Donaldson is a 6-foot-3 combo guard with the ability to light it up on the offensive end of the floor. That's what the Heat likely fell in love with most: his ability to get his shot off quickly.
He may not be a prototypical point guard, but he has enough playmaker potential that he could play the lead guard role if needed. Then again, if he does get to the point where he is playing meaningful minutes next to Bam Adebayo and Giannis, being a primary playmaker may not be a necessity.
While it may be early to suggest that Donaldson is going to be considered the Heat's next undrafted steal, he has all the tools to follow the long list of gems in Miami. Either way, the Heat will get an early look at both Conwell and Donaldson at the NBA Summer League, where both will likely get some heavy playing time.
Conwell and Donaldson will have great opportunities in Miami
And considering the Heat doesn't have a ton of financial wiggle room after trading for Giannis, it would be a huge development if Conwell and/or Donaldson could show enough to warrant a spot in the extended rotation off the jump.
That may be unfair expectations to place on either of these players' shoulders, but that's the benefit of taking two of the most experienced players in this year's draft class.
Heat fans may not know Conwell and Donaldson just yet, but that could quickly change if they can flourish in the Heat's developmental system.
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